Unbelievable. Twenty-two years using computers, from 3.1, 95, 98, NT, XP, and 7, and I have always had "mechanical keyboards. In fact, the one I'm using on 7 here is the SAME KB I originally used on my 98 machine, a Micron, and it is still fully functional after 21 years. I kept it partly because I like the beige color instead of the black & silver of the new KB that came with my XP computer. Incidentally, that KB has never been used.
Same, most periods of time from 1986 through 2017 31 yrs). By then, I could no longer use a straight keyboard. I'd used ergonomic layouts twice before, including once at work, and like them. Thus, the switch in layout was easy.
Problem is, the only short-width ergonomic design on the market was the Microsoft Sculpt, and it doesn't come with mechanical keys.
There are some ergonomic layouts with mechanical keys, but they're either full-width (won't fit in my keyboard table) or of way too funky design, or way too pricey.
So, the Microsoft Sculpt it was. It's what I'm using now. About 2 yrs old.
I'd owned two Microsoft keyboards before,neither one with mechanical keys, and neither gave me problems.
But the Sculpt, well, let's just say I'll get my mileage out of it, but I cannot recommend it.
Generally speaking, the keys work fine, but then several times a week, one or more keys go "numb," meaning they're pressed by don't show a characters. I have to mash down on it really hard, as if something's in the way. Vacuuming and shaking don't work. A couple hours later, the issue disappears.
Gotta love Microsoft! They're as consistently inconsistent with their keyboards as they are with their operating systems.
Although, to be honest, I've had almost zero problems at all with Windows 10.